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Robert E. Holley

@robatgraveshift

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Closing out a forced demolition 95% done - need help to finish.
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I came across an old video from one of my Somewhat Annual Birthday BBQs at the house, usually around the 4th of July (my birthday is the 5th).

Some of you might remember this clip. I honestly thought it was still floating around, but the page that was hosting it took it down.

Seeing it again hit me.

That house wasn’t just where I lived. It was a real gathering place. A lot of love, laughs, and good times in that space. Music, food, people coming through all day… some of those BBQs easily hit 100+.

If you were ever there, you know what it was.

I’m posting this in remembrance of that home. It’s no longer there, and I’ve been working through everything that came with losing it over the last year and (almost) a half.

Being from Bed-Stuy, it’s hard not to see how often homes, land, and legacy are being chipped away at. It doesn’t always look the same, but it’s happening, it's systematic, and a lot of families are feeling it in real time.

Losing this house feels like part of something bigger.

If that space meant something to you, or you’ve got a memory tied to it, I’d appreciate you supporting or sharing this:

bit.ly/HolleyHouse

Every bit of support helps.

#BedStuy #Brooklyn
#ProtectBlackHomes #HousingJustice
#BlackHomeownership taken in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn by @robatgraveshift

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6 months ago

We've been stuck at 95% for over a year.

There's finally a path to close this out but now I'm up against an end-of-April deadline before the city starts adding more fees and violations.

I explain everything in this video.

If you've supported me through this, I appreciate you more than you know. If you can help or even just share, it would mean a lot.

GoFundMe link in bio.

I've also been selling personal items to stay afloat - link in bio as well.

Thank you

#Brooklyn #BedStuy #GoFundMe #CommunitySupport #RealStory NYC by @robatgraveshift

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7 months ago

Link in bio.

They made me demolish the only home I’ve ever known.

This is the first time I’m telling the full story.

In December, the Brooklyn Department of Buildings issued an emergency demolition order for my family’s home — a four-story house in Bed-Stuy that had been in my family since the 1970s.

My daughter and I were displaced. My mother lost her retirement. I spent everything I had trying to take on the demolition myself, just to avoid lifelong debt.

My father, Joseph E. Holley Sr., was one of the first Black developers in Bed-Stuy. He helped build this neighborhood. And now the Brooklyn Department of Buildings forced the demolition of the very home he raised his family in.

This video is about 6 minutes — and it took a lot for me to make it.
If you’ve ever wondered what really happened, please take the time to watch.

📍The GoFundMe link is in my bio.
💛 If the story moves you, I’d be grateful if you shared it.

#BedStuy #Brooklyn #GoFundMe #BlackLegacy #EmergencyDemolition #HousingCrisis #FamilyHome #24Patchen #RobertEHolley #StillStanding by @robatgraveshift

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a year ago

Davidoff Limited Edition Churchill Cigar Table Lighter (501/600)

I've always been a collector of things. After the unceremonious way the city forced me to to demolish our home, I've been disillusioned with the thought of collecting and collectibles.

A year and some months later I'm just finding out what actually made it out of the house. The city claimed I could coordinate with my engineer to get our things out, while simultaneously blocking those efforts at every turn.

Cold world. Wicked games.

I came to grips with leaving with the 5% of my worldly possessions I had that final evening.

Some Ocean's 11 nights with the homies boosted that number to about 60-65%.

🙏🏾 Forever grateful. A lot of great memories connected to this piece.

Still fighting, still figuring it out.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts"
- Winston Churchill

@davidoffcigars

#cigarlife taken in Davidoff of Geneva Brooklyn by @robatgraveshift

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7 months ago

Love em! by @robatgraveshift

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8 months ago

I can’t believe I still have this Copy! #lovemethroughit 2nd short I Produced. Thank you @ebcconnects and #revtrufant for having such vision in the arts and church. @egeorgeperry and @crystal were good. Directed by @robatgraveshift Original Stage play Written by @sundilofty Adapted by @robatgraveshift and @thatsabnyc Produced by @1nubianlatina @ester_lou Scripty @mykijbobo1920 It was definitely #ebc filled production. Especially the #locations. It was the beginning of my journey. #setlife #producerlife #churchmovie #church #christianmovie #grateful by @robatgraveshift

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a year ago

by @robatgraveshift

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2 years ago

Fun flick! Will Poulter steals the show!
@deathofaunicornmovie @a24 taken in Brooklyn, New York by @robatgraveshift

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2 years ago

For the past month, I’ve been living through an experience I never thought I’d face—watching the city-ordered demolition of my family’s home. This house was more than bricks and mortar. It was the place where I raised my daughter, where countless memories were made, and where so many of you found love and sanctuary.

It wasn’t just a building; it was the heart of my family’s story. My parents worked hard to create a place that was filled with warmth, love, and stability. Over the years, it became a safe haven—not just for us, but for friends, neighbors, and anyone who crossed its threshold.

I stand firm in my belief that this home didn’t deserve to be demolished. The issue was limited to the brick façade of one wall. It could have been addressed, but the current climate surrounding building safety pushed the city toward drastic measures.

When the order came, I was faced with an impossible choice: allow the city to handle the demolition at an astronomical cost or shoulder the financial burden myself. I chose the latter, but the emotional and financial toll has been overwhelming. Within 48 hours of the order, our insurance dropped us, leaving us completely vulnerable.

We fought to save the home, but my lawyer advised that continuing would be a gamble we couldn’t afford to lose. As painful as it was, I had no choice but to move forward with the demolition.

Each day, as the walls came down, I was reminded of all the love and life this house held. It wasn’t just my home—it was a part of my identity, my history, and a place where so many of you shared special moments with us.

Sharing this is not easy, but I want to honor what this house meant—not just to me, but to everyone who found a piece of home within its walls. While I’m hesitant about starting a GoFundMe, I’m open to any insights, advice, or support as I navigate this overwhelming time.

Thank you to those who have already reached out. Your kindness reminds me that the spirit of home isn’t bound by walls—it lives on in the love and community we share.

This isn’t how I imagined this chapter of my life, but I’m determined to move forward, carrying the legacy of this home in my heart.

(Link in bio) taken in Brooklyn, New York by @robatgraveshift

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2 years ago

41 trips in and we're still bumping!

On my birthday, Friday, July 5th I'll be at Brooklyn's newest and dopest lounge @se7en.bk around 8pm where we'll party til Unc caint no mo.

On Saturday July 6th I'll be chilling at @bedvynebrew around 2pm-ish for more turn up!

Message me for deets and keep an eye on my stories and this space for updates!!

PULL UP OOOOOON ME!!! taken in Brooklyn, New York by @robatgraveshift

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2 years ago

No BBQ this year but we're still kicking it in Brooklyn for that 41st trip around the sun!

On my birthday, July 5th I'll be at Brooklyn's newest and dopest lounge @se7en.bk around 8pm where we'll party until Unc caint no mo.

Then Saturday July 6th I'll be chilling at @bedvynebrew around 2pm-ish for more turn up!

Message me for deets and keep an eye on my stories and this space for updates!!

🗣️ PULL UP ON ME!!! taken in Brooklyn, New York by @robatgraveshift

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2 years ago

Seasons ♋ Greetings taken in Grave Shift Studios by @robatgraveshift

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2 years ago